Also known as ground-source heat pumps, geothermal HVAC systems provide energy-efficient heating and cooling in an all-in-one package. These environmentally friendly indoor climate control solutions harness the Earth’s energy to make your house feel comfortable year-round. Read on to learn more about geothermal HVAC installations and whether you should invest in one for your Severna Park, MD, home.
Types of Geothermal HVAC Installations
There are four types of geothermal HVAC installations. Each system includes a loop that transfers heat from your home into the ground and vice versa. The three closed-loop systems are horizontal, vertical and pond/lake, and the fourth is an open-loop system. The type of geothermal HVAC installation you invest in depends on your land availability, soil conditions, local climate and budget. A certified service technician can assess which will work best in your house.
Horizontal Geothermal HVAC System
New housing construction projects with plenty of land availability often opt for a horizontal geothermal HVAC installation. It’s the most cost-effective option for residential homes with a lot of space. It requires four-foot trenches.
Vertical Geothermal HVAC System
Vertical geothermal HVAC installations work best in larger properties with limited space or where the soil is too shallow for burying horizontal loops. They often cost more, require less land and don’t disturb the existing landscape too much. Business owners are the most common investors in vertical geothermal HVAC systems.
Pond/Lake Geothermal HVAC System
If your property has a body of water around it, like a pond or lake, this could be the best option for your heating and cooling needs. In a pond/lake geothermal HVAC installation, an underground supply line pipe runs to the water and coils, where they sit at least eight feet below the surface to prevent freezing. A trained and experienced service technician should install the coils in a body of water that meets minimum depth, volume and quality requirements.
Open-Loop Geothermal HVAC System
This geothermal HVAC installation uses well water as the heat exchange fluid. Open-loop geothermal HVAC systems are only worth considering if you have an adequate clean water supply. You must also ensure that it meets all local codes and regulations for groundwater discharge. If not, you could find yourself in deep trouble.
Geothermal HVAC Systems Work in Extreme Weather
Geothermal HVAC systems operate in any climate. More than half of the geothermal HVAC installations in the country are in areas with extreme weather. They work anywhere because the temperature below the Earth’s surface stays consistent at about 50-55 degrees year-round. Geothermal HVAC systems use this consistent temperature to efficiently transfer heat into and out of your home, where an air conditioner has to battle against the high summertime heat.
Geothermal HVAC Systems Have Long Lifespans
A geothermal HVAC system’s outdoor components have a life expectancy of 50 years, including the pipes buried in the soil. The indoor components have an average lifespan of about 25 years. Investing in a geothermal HVAC system is a smart choice if you plan to reside in your house for a long period. Your long-term savings will pay for it quickly.
Geothermal HVAC Systems Reduce Carbon Emissions
Geothermal HVAC systems utilize advanced technologies that help homeowners reduce their carbon footprints. For every hour your geothermal HVAC system operates, it emits one pound of carbon less than an air conditioner or furnace. Over its lifetime, a geothermal HVAC system will produce 11 metric tons less carbon. Think of it this way: that’s the equivalent of planting 1,000 acres of trees or removing three cars off the road. You’ll become a greener homeowner!
Do you want to learn more about geothermal HVAC installations and their other cost-saving benefits? Contact Coastal Heating & Air Conditioning Co., Inc. today. If you wish to invest in a geothermal installation or need our other HVAC services, rest assured we’ll do everything possible to help you enhance home comfort while saving money.
Image provided by Thinkstock
